The power of music and arts education is not only extraordinary, but can bring a sense of community, a source of hope and healing during hard times. That's why John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Amy Schatz captured the remarkable work of 10th grade students at Philadelphia's Hill-Freedman World Academy in the HBO Original documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School.
Students at the Academy work together with local musicians to create an album of powerful, original songs that captures both the challenging times they are living in and the joy that music brings. The course is required regardless of musical experience and provides a creative outlet for the class to come together.
"Philly is such an important musical center in this country," says John Legend. "So many great musicians have been raised in this city. There's so much soul here, there's so much music here, but there's also a lot of kids facing challenges in life, and I think the power of this film, the power of this story, and the power of this school gives these kids who are facing challenges in life a way to be creative - a way to use music as a way of lifting them up.
WATCH NOW: John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Amy Schatz talk 'Stand Up & Shout: Songs From A Philly High School' with Bennett
Listen now as Amy Schatz, Mike Jackson, and John Legend join Bennett of The NEW 96.5 to discuss the importance of art education, and the power of music in Philadelphia, and giving the children of Hill-Freedman World Academy a platform.
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